Position description
The mission of the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF) is to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future by investing in artists and the performing arts, environmental conservation, medical research, child well-being and greater mutual understanding among diverse communities. DDF operates five national grantmaking programs as well as Duke Farms and Shangri La, two centers that serve the public directly. DDF’s activities are guided by the will of Doris Duke, who endowed the foundation with financial assets that currently total over $2 billion. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.dorisduke.org.
POSITION
The Special Assistant to the Chief Program Officer (CPO) is a critical partner in advancing the Doris Duke Foundation’s mission by supporting the leadership, coordination and effectiveness of the National Programs team at DDF. This role works closely with the CPO to implement cross-program strategies, facilitate learning and collaboration, and manage high-priority projects that translate programmatic priorities into action. The Special Assistant also provides selective, high-value operational and administrative support that enables the CPO to focus on strategic priorities, while serving as a connector among program staff, foundation executives, operational teams and external stakeholders.
This role is designed for a strategic thinker who is equally comfortable driving complex projects and attending to key operational details when needed. This position requires exceptional organizational and communication skills, flexibility, a high degree of initiative, a high level of discretion and a commitment to inclusive leadership and cross-functional alignment.
YOUR IMPACT AT DDF
As the Special Assistant to the Chief Program Officer, you will:
- Advance cross-program strategy and alignment across DDF’s National Programs and centers.
- Partner with the CPO to implement strategies and shared practices that strengthen connection, learning, coordination and collaboration.
- Surface themes, priorities and opportunities to support greater strategic coherence and decision-making across DDF’s portfolio.
- Drive high-priority initiatives from concept through execution.
- Translate priorities into actionable plans and guide complex projects from concept through implementation.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen processes, systems and ways of working to improve effectiveness across the team.
- Generate insights that support leadership, planning and decision-making.
- Research, synthesize and analyze information from across programs and the broader philanthropic landscape.
- Develop clear, thoughtful materials that help leadership assess opportunities, navigate complexity and make informed decisions.
- Strengthen collaboration and execution across teams.
- Build productive relationships across programs, centers and operational teams to support high-quality execution of programmatic initiatives.
- Support the effectiveness and continuity of the office of the Chief Program Officer.
- Provide targeted executive support that advances the CPO’s strategic priorities and overall effectiveness.
- Oversee core administrative functions for the CPO’s office and step in directly as needed to ensure continuity and seamless execution.
- Perform other work, including special projects, as assigned.
WHAT YOU BRING
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent combination of professional and educational experience.
- Demonstrated interest or expertise in one or more of the program areas DDF supports (arts & culture, nature, health & well-being).
- Demonstrated excellence in project management, including experience coordinating complex timelines, managing cross-functional tasks and anticipating next steps.
- Experience supporting senior leadership while contributing to strategic projects or initiatives.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools, with the ability to leverage emerging technology, including generative AI tools, to enhance efficiency, generate insights and improve the quality of work.
- Outstanding organizational and time management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and details with precision, speed and flexibility.
- Demonstrated self-initiative and ability to exercise independent judgment.
- Demonstrated sound judgment in balancing independent decision-making with timely consultation with the Chief Program Officer on sensitive, complex or high-impact matters.
- Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills with the ability to build meaningful relationships with stakeholders.
- Ability to synthesize information from diverse sources and contribute to strategic discussions through insights, summaries or briefing materials.
- Highly resourceful team player who can also be extremely effective independently.
We recognize that not every candidate will meet every qualification listed. If you are passionate about our mission and believe you have the skills and experience to perform the essential functions of this role, we encourage you to apply.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Anticipated starting salary range is $88,000 to $110,000, and the final offer will depend on experience.
- Industry-leading benefits, including a 15% employer contribution to your 401(k), comprehensive health insurance, four weeks of paid vacation with additional paid time off, and matching gift benefits of up to $20,000 per year—all designed to support employees’ well-being, productivity and engagement.
- A values-driven culture rooted in integrity, excellence, collaboration, openness and imagination, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Application instructions
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